World Footy News

Croatian international Josip Habljak played his first game for Sturt in the SANFL on Easter Monday and following are his raw stats from that game. He played in the reserves team which lost to the West Torrens-Woodville Eagles 16-11 (107) to 7-7 (49).

Champion Data records he had 3 kicks, 5 effective handballs, for a total of 8 disposals and 1 contested mark. 3 contested possessions and 6 uncontested possessions, and he also had a hand in the ruck duties for his team with 7 hit-outs. Josip had only one free kick paid against him (one Sturt player had 6 frees against), but more importantly for Josip he also scored one goal and recorded one score assist.

In a losing side a player's raw stats can only tell us a very little about the player's contribution to the team. Comparing a player's stats with the team mates can tell us a little more. Josip's stats do not figure amongst what could be considered the best players but alternatively there were players in his side with less disposals and less possessions.

As the reserves games are not broadcast on TV or radio it is not possible for me (over 300kms from the game) to make any judgement on how he really went in the game, but to say looking at the stats he certainly has not anything to be "ashamed" of, and should be pretty satisfied with his first game at this level of footy when considering where he has come from. (all the other players have been playing footy since knee high to a grasshopper)

I think he has probably kept his place in the side for next match on Sunday 10th April against Central District Bulldogs, again at home (Peter Motley Oval). Sturt reserves have bye next weekend.

Full match stats can be found at
http://www.sanfl.com.au/league/reserves_stats/all game stats